Exhausted from the holidays? Esther Van finds a remedy at the Oriental Spa

In the heart of Central, bustling with traffic, crowds and talk of financial woes, there is a sanctuary just five floors above ground. The tranquil Oriental Spa occupies two spacious floors of the 15-storey Landmark Mandarin Oriental. While it is one of the most luxurious spas in the city, it is never packed – the hotel is small, and although it is also open to the public, fewer guests means the spa remains relatively empty.

The staff wastes no time in helping customers unwind and delve into the calming experience. In keeping with an Asian hospitality tradition, the first things offered are herbal tea and a pair of slippers. This ritual is done with the hope that you will leave the outside world behind from the moment you arrive.

All spa treatments include one-hour access to the impressive heat and water facilities, which include “experience” showers with mist and jet settings that also emit fragrances, a vitality pool with adjustable full-body massaging jets, a steam room with a huge amethyst crystal that is supposed to help with headaches, a laconium (like a sauna but not as hot) for the ladies and a sauna for the men. These facilities all have temperatures finely tuned to work best for the body.

The relaxation room with comfy beds and reading lamps is designed to help regulate your temperature and calm your mental state five minutes before your treatment. It is perfectly suited to a nap, but do not fall asleep just yet because the treatment is still to come.

This month features the “January Delight” treatment, a pressure point aromatherapy massage that aims to rebalance your body from all the holiday commotion and excessive meals. The 60-minute massage is targeted towards women and utilises frankincense, rose and geranium essential oils to appease anxiety and balance hormones. As with most of the spa’s treatments, this one has an Asian influence. It begins and ends with the ringing of a bell that sends off oddly soothing reverberations. The fragrant oils and the detailed full-body massage release whatever tension you have left from the holidays, leaving you calm and revitalised.

For the atmosphere, service and facilities that come with the treatment, $780 for January Delight (on weekdays) is quite a steal. Other specials during January include Winter Renew and Revive, which is a facial that counters the effects of dry winter weather, and Banish Stress, a scalp massage for those who suffer from headaches, stress or insomnia. The Oriental Spa, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queen’s Road Central. Tel: 2132 0011